Disc style 360 degree hinge for a laptop computer

ABSTRACT

In one general aspect, a computing device can include a lid, and a base coupled to the lid by a hinge. The hinge can include a first disc including a first pin coupled to the lid and an inner surface. The hinge can include a second disc including a second pin coupled to the base and an outer surface. The first disc can be concentric with and can partially surround the second disc. The hinge can further include a friction element disposed between the inner surface of the first disc and the outer surface of the second disc. The first disc can be configured to rotate about the second disc.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description generally relates to hinges for computing devices.

BACKGROUND

A computing device may be assembled from multiple separate parts. Inaddition, one or more components of the computing device may be used toattach the multiple parts of the computing device, and, in some cases,the attached parts may be moved and/or rotated with respect to oneanother. Example computing devices, such as laptop or notebook computersmay include a lid and a base. The lid can include a display device(e.g., a touchscreen) and the base can include one or more inputdevices, such as a keyboard, a pointing stick, mouse buttons, atouchpad, and/or a trackpad. The lid can be attached to the base suchthat the lid can be moved and/or rotated with respect to the base sothat the computing device can be placed into multiple positions. Inorder to achieve this rotation, the lid can be attached to the baseusing a moveable hinge that will allow the lid to be rotated about thebase.

For example, in a closed position, the lid of the computing device is incontact with the top of the base of the computing device. In an openposition, for example, where a user of the computing device can view andinteract with both the touchscreen and the input devices included in thebase, the lid may be placed in a stationary position and atapproximately a 130-degree angle with respect to the base. In a fullopen position, for example, the user of the computing device mayinteract with the touchscreen display alone (e.g., using the computingdevice as a tablet). In this full open position, the lid of thecomputing device is in contact with the bottom of the base of thecomputing device. In order for a computing device to achieve all ofthese positions, rotation of the lid of the computing device nearly 360degrees about the base of the computing device may be required.

The amount of area occupied by one or more hinges used to couple the lidof the computing device to the base of the computing device can affectthe overall size (e.g., thickness) of the computing device. As computingdevices become smaller and thinner, it would be beneficial if the one ormore hinges used to couple the lid to the base of the computing devicecould also be reduced in size (e.g., diameter). In some cases, however,this may be difficult when rotation of nearly 360 degrees of the lid ofthe computing device with respect to the base of the computing device isrequired.

Thus, a need exists for systems, methods, and apparatus to address theshortfalls of present technology and to provide other new and innovativefeatures.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, a computing device includes a lid, and a basecoupled to the lid by a hinge. The hinge includes a first disc includinga first pin coupled to the lid and an inner surface, a second discincluding a second pin coupled to the base and an outer surface, thefirst disc concentric with and partially surrounding the second disc,and a friction element disposed between the inner surface of the firstdisc and the outer surface of the second disc, the first disc configuredto rotate about the second disc.

Example implementations may include one or more of the followingfeatures. For instance, the hinge may be configured to allow the lid torotate about the base at different angular ranges from a first positionbeing approximately in contact with the base to a second position beingat an angle that is approximately 360 degrees with respect to the base.The hinge may be a first hinge, and the base may be coupled to the lidby the first hinge and a second hinge, the second hinge including afirst disc including a first pin coupled to the lid and an innersurface, and a second disc including a second pin coupled to the baseand an outer surface, the first disc concentric with and partiallysurrounding the second disc, the friction element being disposed betweenand the inner surface of the first disc of the second hinge and theouter surface of the second disc of the second hinge, and the first discof the second hinge may be configured to rotate about the second disc ofthe second hinge. The first hinge may be located at a first back-end ofthe computing device and the second hinge may be located at a secondback-end of the computing device. The computing device may furtherinclude a first connecting rod, the first connecting rod connecting thesecond disc of the first hinge to the second disc of the second hinge.

The computing device may further include a second connecting rod, thesecond connecting rod connecting the second disc of the first hinge tothe second disc of the second hinge, the second connecting rod beingdisposed parallel to the first connecting rod. The second pin of thesecond disc of the first hinge may be disposed between the connection ofthe first connecting rod and the second connecting rod with the seconddisc of the first hinge. The second pin of the second disc of the secondhinge may be disposed between the connection of the first connecting rodand the second connecting rod with the second disc of the second hinge.The computing device may further include a plurality of wires that arecoupled between the base of the computing device to the lid of thecomputing device, the plurality of wires disposed between the firstconnecting rod and the second connecting rod.

The plurality of wires may be included in a flexible cable. Theplurality of wires may connect at least one electrical component in thebase of the computing device to at least one electrical component in thelid of the computing device. The at least one electrical component inthe base may be a main logic board. The at least one electricalcomponent in the lid may be one of a display, a camera sensor, a touchsensor, an ambient light sensor, or an antenna. The plurality of wiresmay be divided between multiple flexible cables, each of the multipleflexible cables coupled to the base of the computing device and to thelid of the computing device, and each of the multiple flexible cablesdisposed between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod.

In another general aspect, a method of coupling a base to a lid of acomputing device includes coupling a first corner of the lid to a firstpin of a first hinge, the first hinge including a first disc coupled tothe first pin of the first hinge, and a second disc, coupling a secondcorner of the lid to a first pin of a second hinge, the second hingeincluding a first disc coupled to the first pin of the second hinge, anda second disc, coupling a first corner of the base to a second pin ofthe first hinge, coupling a second corner of the base to a second pin ofthe second hinge, and coupling the first hinge to the second hinge byconnecting one end of a first connecting rod to the second disc includedin the first hinge and coupling another end of the first connecting rodto the second disc included in the second hinge.

Example implementations may include one or more of the followingfeatures. For instance, the method may further include coupling thefirst hinge to the second hinge by connecting one end of a secondconnecting rod to the second disc included in the first hinge andcoupling another end of the second connecting rod to the second discincluded in the second hinge, the second connecting rod being disposedparallel to the first connecting rod. The method may further includeconnecting at least one electrical component in the base of thecomputing device to at least one electrical component in the lid of thecomputing device using a plurality of wires coupled from the base of thecomputing device to the lid of the computing device, the plurality ofwires being disposed between the first connecting rod and the secondconnecting rod. The plurality of wires may be included in a flexiblecable.

In yet another general aspect, a hinge may include a first discincluding a first pin and an inner surface, a second disc including asecond pin and an outer surface, the first disc concentric with and atleast partially surrounding the second disc, and a friction elementdisposed between the inner surface of the first disc and the outersurface of the second disc.

Example implementations may include one or more of the followingfeatures. For instance, the first disc may be configured to rotate aboutthe second disc. The first disc may have a length equal to a length ofthe second disc.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram that illustrates an example computing device in aclosed orientation, where the computing device includes friction dischinges.

FIG. 1B is a diagram that illustrates a back of the computing deviceshown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a diagram that illustrates a cross-section view of an exampleof a position of a friction disc hinge when a computing device is in aclosed orientation, such as the example computing device as shown inFIGS. 1A-B.

FIG. 2A is a diagram that illustrates an example computing device in alaptop orientation, where the computing device includes friction dischinges.

FIG. 2B is a diagram that illustrates a cross-section view of an exampleof a position of a friction disc hinge when a computing device is in alaptop orientation, such as the example computing device as shown inFIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a diagram that illustrates an example computing device in atablet orientation, where the computing device includes friction dischinges.

FIG. 3B is a diagram that illustrates a cross-section view of an exampleof a position of a friction disc hinge when a computing device is in alaptop orientation, such as the example computing device as shown inFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a diagram that illustrates an example computing device in alaptop position that shows a flexible cable coupled from a base of thecomputing device to a lid of the computing device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for coupling abase to a lid of a computing device.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, reducing the size and weight of a computing device can allowfor the design of smaller, thinner, slimmer and more elegant enclosures.In addition, a user may utilize the computing device in different modesof operation. For example, a laptop or notebook computer that includes atouchscreen may be used in a standard or laptop mode. In the standardmode, a lid of the computing device can include a touchscreen and a userof the computing device can rotate the lid with respect to a base of thecomputing device. The user can rotate the lid to place the lid in astationary position that is at a specific angle with respect to the baseof the computing device. The user can place the base on a relativelyflat stationary surface (e.g., a desktop, a lap of a user). An exampleof a standard mode (laptop orientation (or configuration)) is shown withrespect to FIG. 2A, described in more detail below. In the standardmode, the user can interact with various inputs included in the base ofthe computing device while viewing the touchscreen. In addition, thetouchscreen can receive input from the user.

The lid of the computing device may be rotated so that the back of thelid contacts (is substantially parallel to or is in relatively closeproximity to) the bottom of the base. This allows the computing deviceto be used, for example, in a tablet mode (tablet orientation (orconfiguration)). An example of a tablet mode is shown with respect toFIG. 3A, described in more detail below.

In order for the computing device to be used in these multiple modes,the lid of the computing device can rotate/pivot approximately 360degrees with respect to the base of the computing device. For example,the lid can be rotated from a closed orientation (or configuration) ofthe computing device, where the lid contacts an upper surface of thebase to a fully opened position (tablet orientation), where the lidcontacts a lower surface of the base. FIG. 1A and FIG. 3A, respectively,illustrate examples of these orientations.

In order to rotate the lid approximately 360 degrees with respect to thebase, in some implementations, a standard dual pivot hinge can connect alid to a base of a computing device. The use of a dual pivot hingeallows for 180 degrees of rotation about each pivot point. In addition,when connecting the lid to the base of the computing device, wires canbe coupled between electronics included in the base of the computingdevice to components included in the lid of the computing device (e.g.,a touchscreen display) and vice versa. The wires can be disposed (e.g.,threaded or placed) along a pivot axis and may twist as the lid isrotated. As such, a pivot may include a hollow shaft for inclusion ofthe wires, and a diameter of the shaft is defined based on being largeenough to accommodate the wires. In addition, the diameter of the pivotcan be based on the inclusion of one or more friction elements, amounting tab, and a cosmetic cover. For example, this can result in apivot point that is approximately nine millimeters in diameter. Torotate the lid approximately 360 degrees with respect to the base, twosuch pivot points are needed, resulting in a computing device that isapproximately 18 millimeters thick.

To reduce the thickness of the computing device while allowing the lidto be rotated approximately 360 degrees with respect to the base, afriction disc hinge can be placed on each back-end corner of a computingdevice, rotationally coupling the lid of the computing device to thebase of the computing device. Each friction disc hinge can provide apivot point for the rotation of the lid of the computing device withrespect to the base of the computing device. Each friction disc hingecan include an outer disc that substantially surrounds an inner discwith a friction element or other type of friction-providing mechanismplaced between the outer disc and the inner disc. An outerdisc-connecting pin can connect the outer disc to the lid of thecomputing device. An inner disc-connecting pin can connect the innerdisc to the base of the computing device. One or more connecting rodsthat are disposed along the rear of the computing device can connect theinner discs to one another providing the necessary stability to thecomputing device when rotation of the lid is performed. Rotating the lidof the computing device about the base of the computing device resultsin the rotation of the each of the outer discs about their respectiveinner discs. The friction between the outer discs and the inner discscan be provided so that the lid can be placed in any stable positionbetween a closed orientation of the computing device (a zero degreeposition of the lid with respect to the base) and a tablet orientationof the computing device (a 360 degree position of the lid with respectto the base) while allowing the lid to be easily and smoothly rotated.

At least one flexible cable (e.g., flexible flat cables (FFCs)) caninclude wires that transmit signals from circuitry included in the baseof the computing device (e.g., from a motherboard that includes one ormore hardware microprocessors or other types of semiconductor circuitry)to one or more devices included in the lid of the computing device(e.g., an LCD display, an antenna, a camera). The at least one flexiblecable can be disposed (or placed) over/between/around the one or moreconnecting rods. A width of the at least one flexible cable can beapproximately equal to a width of the computing device. This can allowfor a significant number of wires, where increasing the number of wiresdoes not necessarily add to the overall height of the computing deviceas in the case of a computing device that incorporates a standard dualpivot hinge. The factor that contributes to determining the height of acomputing device that uses friction disc hinges can be the diameter ofthe friction disc hinges. For example, a computing device that includesa 14-inch LCD display could utilize friction disc hinges that areapproximately ten millimeters (mm) in diameter, resulting in a thinnercomputing device than a computing device that incorporates a standarddual pivot hinge. Factors that determine the diameter of a friction dischinge can include, but are not limited to, the size and weight of thelid of the computing device, and the overall width of the computingdevice.

FIGS. 1A-C, 2A-B, 3A-B, and 4 are diagrams that illustrate an examplecomputing device 102 that includes friction disc hinges 150, wherereference to friction disc hinges 150 (without an alphabetical suffix)refers collectively to combination of a friction disc hinge 150 a and afriction disc hinge 150 b. The descriptions of a friction disc hingeincluded herein can be applied to each friction disc hinge included in acomputing device. As such, descriptions of the form and functionality ofa first friction disc hinge can be applied to a description of the formand functionality of a second friction disc hinge (and any additionalfriction disc hinges) and vice versa.

FIG. 1A is a diagram that illustrates an example computing device 102 ina closed orientation, where the computing device 102 includes frictiondisc hinges 150. In a closed orientation, a lid 104 of the computingdevice 102 contacts (is substantially parallel to or is in relativelyclose proximity to) a base 106 of the computing device 102. The lid 104includes a front surface 109 a and a back surface 109 b. The base 106includes a top surface 107 a and a lower surface 107 b. For example, thefront surface 109 a of the lid 104 can make contact with the top surface107 a of the base 106. In some implementations, the contact between thelid 104 and the base 106 can be between portions of the lid 104 and thebase 106. In some implementations, the lid 104 can be parallel to thebase 106. The base 106 and the lid 104 can be attached to each otherusing a first friction disc hinge 150 a that is located at first end ofa back 116 of the computing device 102 (a first back-end 117) and asecond friction disc hinge 150 b that is located at a second end of theback 116 of the computing device 102 (a second back-end 119).

FIG. 1B a diagram that illustrates the back 116 of the computing device102 that includes friction disc hinges 150 in an enlarged view. FIG. 1Cis a diagram that illustrates a cross-section view of an example of aposition of the first friction disc hinge 150 a when the computingdevice 102 is in a closed orientation. FIG. 1C is a cross-section viewof the first friction disc hinge 150 a. Though not shown in FIG. 1C, theposition of the second friction disc hinge 150 b is identical to that ofthe first friction disc hinge 150 a. The description of the form andfunctionality of the first friction disc hinge 150 a can be applied to adescription of the form and functionality of the second friction dischinge 150 b.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-C, the first friction disc hinge 150 a includes anouter disc 108 and an inner disc 110. The outer disc 108 includes anouter pin 112, an outer surface 121, and an inner surface 123. The innerdisc 110 includes an inner pin 114 and an outer surface 125. Connectingrods 118 a-b connect the first friction disc hinge 150 a to the secondfriction disc hinge 150 b and are disposed parallel to and along theback 116 of the computing device 102, along an x-axis 12 of thecomputing device 102. The connecting rods 118 a-b connect to the innerdisc of each of the friction disc hinges 150 on either side of the innerpin, which is located in approximately the center of the friction dischinge. In addition, connecting rod 118 a and connecting rod 118 b areoriented parallel to one another and along (parallel to) the x-axis 12of the computing device 102. FIG. 1C shows where the connecting rods 118a-b connect to the inner disc 110 of the friction disc hinge 150 b.

The outer pin 112 is coupled/connected to the lid 104 at a first corner113 a. The inner pin 114 is coupled/connected to the base 106 at a firstcorner 115 a. Though not completely shown in FIG. 1A, an outer pin ofthe friction disc hinge 150 b is coupled/connected to the lid 104 at asecond corner 113 b. An inner pin of the friction disc hinge 150 b iscoupled/connected to the base 106 at a second corner 115 b.

In some implementations, the outer disc 108 is concentric with the innerdisc 110. The inner disc 110 can be disposed within an innercircumference of the outer disc 108. In the example implementation shownin FIG. 1A, the outer disc 108 surrounds the inner disc 110. In someimplementations, the outer disc 108 may fully (completely) surround theinner disc 110. For example, a length of the outer disc 108 can be thesame as a length of the inner disc 110. In another example, a length ofthe outer disc 108 can be greater than a length of the inner disc 110.In some implementations, the outer disc 108 may partially surround theinner disc 110. For example, a length of the outer disc 108 can be lessthan a length of the inner disc 110. The outer disc 108 can beconfigured to rotate about the inner disc 110. The rotation of the outerdisc 108 about the inner disc 110 results in the rotation of the lid 104about the x-axis 12 of the computing device 102, the rotation being withrespect to the base 106 of the computing device 102.

A friction element 120 is located between the inner disc 110 and theouter disc 108. The friction element 120 provides friction between theinner surface 123 of the outer disc 108 and the outer surface 125 of theinner disc 110. The friction element 120 can provide sufficient frictionso that the lid 104 may be placed in multiple static positions between azero degree position (shown in FIG. 1A) and 360-degree position as(shown in FIG. 3A), the angle of the positions being with respect to thebase 106 (or z-axis) of the computing device 102, where the lid 104 isparallel to (along) the y-axis of the computing device 102.

A distance 18 (distance d₁) (as shown in FIG. 1C) between the innersurface 123 of the outer disc 108 and the outer surface 125 of the innerdisc 110 and the implementation of the friction element 120 can bedefined such that the applied friction to the lid 104 can hold the lid104 in a fixed position. In addition, the friction element 120 can bemade such that the torque applied to the lid 104 by the user torotate/move the lid 104 to the desired fixed position can be easilyapplied by the user.

For example, the friction element 120 can be a high viscosity type ofgrease applied to the outer surface 125 of the inner disc 110 (or theinner surface 123 of the outer disc 108). The distance 18 along with theviscosity of the grease can be defined so that the torque applied to thelid 104 by the user to rotate/move the lid 104 to the desired fixedposition can be easily applied by the user.

In another example, the inner disc 110 can include a plurality of bladesthat can protrude from the outer surface 125 and make contact with/stickinto the inner surface 123 of the outer disc 108. The distance 18between the outer surface 125 of the inner disc 110 and the innersurface 123 of the outer disc 108 along with a number of the blades andtheir respective locations can be determined so that the torque appliedto the lid 104 by the user to rotate/move the lid 104 to the desiredfixed position can be easily applied by the user.

Though described as a single element, the friction element 120 caninclude a plurality of friction elements that provide the necessaryfriction to maintain the lid 104 in a static position with respect tothe base 106. In some implementations, the friction element(s) caninclude one or more detents that provide additional friction/support forthe lid 104 when placed in a position relative to the base 106. Forexample, a detent may be provided when the computing device 102 isconfigured in a laptop orientation.

In some implementations, a diameter 20 of the first friction disc hinge150 a can be the same for each friction disc hinge 150 a-b (e.g., adiameter d₂ is the same as a diameter d₃, respectively). The diameter 20can be defined based a diameter 22 (diameter d₄) of the inner disc 110,a width 24 (width w₁) of the outer disc 108, and the distance 18(distance d₁) between the outer surface 125 of the inner disc 110 andthe inner surface 123 of the outer disc 108. In addition, in someimplementations, each of the friction disc hinges 150 a-b is of a length14, 16 (length l₁ and length l₂), respectively, which can be the samefor each of the friction disc hinges 150 a-b.

The outer pin 112 can have a diameter 26 (diameter d₅). For example, thediameter 26 is less than the width 24 of the outer disc 108. The innerpin 114 can have a diameter 28 (diameter d₆) and can be disposedapproximately in the center of the inner disc 110. In someimplementations, the diameter 26 of the outer pin 112 can besubstantially the same as the diameter 28 of the inner pin 114. In someimplementations, the diameter 26 of the outer pin 112 can be greaterthan the diameter 28 of the inner pin 114. In some implementations, thediameter 26 of the outer pin 112 can be less than the diameter 28 of theinner pin 114.

The outer pin 112 can have a length 30 (length l₃). The inner pin 114can have a length 32 (length l₄). In some implementations, the length 30of the outer pin 112 can be greater than the length 32 of the inner pin114. In some implementations, the length 30 of the outer pin 112 can beless than the length 32 of the inner pin 114. In some implementations,the length of the outer pin for the first friction disc hinge 150 a(length l₃) is the same as the length of the outer pin for the secondfriction disc hinge 150 b (length l₅). In some implementations, thelength of the outer pin for the first friction disc hinge 150 a (lengthl₃) is different than (e.g., greater than, less than) the length of theouter pin for the second friction disc hinge 150 b (length l₅). In someimplementations, the length of the inner pin for the first friction dischinge 150 a (length l₄) is the same as the length of the inner pin forthe second friction disc hinge 150 b (length l₆). In someimplementations, the length of the inner pin for the first friction dischinge 150 a (length l₄) is different than (e.g., greater than, lessthan) the length of the inner pin for the second friction disc hinge 150b (length l₆).

Factors that can define the diameter and length of each friction dischinge 150 a-b and the diameter and length of the outer pin 112 and theinner pin 114 for each friction disc hinge 150 a-b can include, but arenot limited to, the size of the lid 104 of the computing device 102, theweight of the lid 104 of the computing device 102, and a width 34 (widthw₂) of the computing device 102.

For example, a laptop computing device that includes a 14 inch liquidcrystal display (LCD) can include friction disc hinges 150 that areapproximately between four and ten millimeters in diameter with a lengthbetween eight and 15 millimeters. In this example, a longer frictiondisc hinge can provide a larger “gripping” area to allow for a smallerdiameter hinge.

Wires can be coupled between electronics included in the base 106 of thecomputing device 102 to components included in the lid 104 of thecomputing device 102 (e.g., a touchscreen display) and vice versa. Thewires can be incorporated into at least one flexible cable 143 (e.g., aflexible flat cable (FFC)). The flexible cable 143 can provideelectrical signals from circuitry included in the base 106 of thecomputing device 102 (e.g., from a motherboard that includes one or morehardware microprocessors or other types of semiconductor circuitry) toone or more devices included in the lid 104 of the computing device 102(e.g., an LCD display, a touchscreen, an antenna, a camera sensor, atouch sensor, an ambient light sensor). In some implementations, all ofthe wires that are coupled between the lid 104 and the base 106 can beincluded in a single flexible cable. In some implementations, multipleflexible cables can be used to couple the wires between the lid 104 andthe base 106 of the computing device 102. For example, the wiresincluded in a flexible cable can be for related signals. For example,all of the signals for an LCD display can be included in a firstflexible cable and all of the signals for an antenna can be included ina second flexible cable.

The one or more flexible cables can bend/flex around the connecting rod118 a, bending/flexing as the lid 104 is rotated about the base 106 ofthe computing device 102. The one or more flexible cables can bedisposed along the width 34 of the computing device 102, with theexception of parts of the width 34 of the computing device 102 that arein common with the each of the friction disc hinges 150 a-b. Forexample, the one or more flexible cables can be disposed within adistance d₇ along the width of the computing device 102, whered₇=w₂−((l₁+(the greater of l₃ or l₄)+(l₂+(the greater of l₅ or l₆)).

For example, in an implementation where the computing device 102 is alaptop computing device that includes a 14 inch liquid crystal display(LCD), the width 34 (width w₂) can be approximately 15 inches (381millimeters (mm)). For example, the length 14, 16 (length l₁ and lengthl₂) of each of the friction disc hinges 150 a-b, respectively, can beapproximately ten millimeters. In addition, the longer of the lengths ofthe outer pin 112 and the inner pin 114 for each of the friction dischinges 150 a-b will also be taken into consideration when defining howthe one or more flexible cables are disposed. In this example, thelonger of the lengths of the outer pin 112 and the inner pin 114 foreach friction disc hinge is approximately 10 millimeters. As such, thedistance d₇ along the width of the computing device 102 can becalculated as: d₇=381 mm−((10 mm+10 mm)+(10 mm+10 mm))=341 mm.

Many factors can be used to define the number of wires in a flexiblecable and the width of the flexible cable. As a non-limiting example, aflexible flat cable can have a pitch (the distance from the center ofone conductor to the center of its neighboring conductor) of 1.00 mm.Each conductor is a wire that can transmit an electrical signal betweenthe lid 104 and the base 106 of the computing device 102. In thisexample, one or more flexible flat cables can provide over 300 signalsto/from the base 106 and the lid 104 of the computing device 102.Therefore, as the number of devices included in a computing deviceincreases (in particular the number of devices included in the lid of acomputing device (e.g., the inclusion of an antenna in the lid of thecomputing device) and as the resolution of these devices increases(e.g., the resolution of the display device, the resolution of thecamera device, etc.), more and more signals need to be provided byelectronics included in the base of the computing device to the devicesincluded in the lid of the computing device. In another non-limitingexample, a flexible flat cable can have a pitch (the distance from thecenter of one conductor to the center of its neighboring conductor) of0.50 mm allowing over 600 signals to be coupled between the base 106 andthe lid 104 of the computing device 102. In another non-limitingexample, multiple flexible flat cables can be used to coupled signalsfrom the base 106 to the lid 104 of the computing device 102, where eachflexible flat cable can be of a different pitch (e.g., some cables canhave a 1.00 mm pitch, some cables can have a 0.50 mm pitch).

In some implementations, a thickness 40 (thickness t₃) of the flexiblecable 143 can be approximately the same as a thickness 42 (thickness t₁)of the lid 104 of the computing device 102. In some implementations, thethickness 40 of the flexible cable 143 can be approximately the same asa thickness 44 (thickness t₂) of the base 106 of the computing device102. In some implementations, the thickness 40 of the flexible cable 143can be different than (e.g., less than or greater than) the lidthickness 42. In some implementations, the thickness 40 of the flexiblecable 143 can be different than (e.g., less than or greater than) thebase thickness 44. For example, the thickness 40 can be based on thepitch of the wires included in the flexible cable 143.

The flexible cable 143 can be encased/covered and/or disposed within aflexible protective housing made of, for example, rubber, flexiblefabric, or some other type of flexible protective material. The flexiblecable 143 and its housing can account for the thickness 40 of theflexible cable 143.

In some implementations, a height 46 (height h) of the computing device102 may be defined based on the size (diameter) of the friction dischinges 150. In some implementations, though not shown in FIG. 1A-C, theheight 46 of the computing device 102 may be defined based on the lidthickness 42 and the base thickness 44. In these implementations, thesize (diameter) of the friction disc hinges 150 would be less than thatof the combined thicknesses of the lid 104 and the base 106 (thecombined thickness 42 and thickness 44).

In some implementations, the base thickness 44 is different than (e.g.,greater than, less than) the lid thickness 42. In some implementations,the base thickness 44 can be similar to (identical to) the lid thickness42.

The base 106 can be made of a rigid material, such as plastic or metal.The base 106 can include components of the computing device 102. Thecomponents can include, but are not limited to, a main logic board(MLB), a central processing unit (CPU), memory, a battery, and one ormore input devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing stick, mouse buttons,a touchpad, and/or a trackpad. The base 106 can include an top surface107 a and a lower surface 107 b. The components of the computing device102 can be positioned in (e.g., disposed within) an area between the topsurface 107 a and the lower surface 107 b.

The lid 104 can also be made of a rigid (e.g., relatively rigid)material, such as plastic or metal. The lid 104 can include a displayarea that can provide visual output to the user. The lid 104 can includeadditional components of the computing device 102. The components caninclude, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), aplasma display, or a light-emitting diode (LED) display. The displayarea can also receive input from a user, for example as in a case wherethe display area includes a touchscreen device. The lid 104 may alsoinclude a camera sensor, a touch sensor, an ambient light sensor and/oran antenna.

FIG. 2A is a diagram that illustrates the example computing device 102in a laptop orientation. In the laptop orientation, the lid 104 of thecomputing device is at an angle 250 with respect to the base 106. Thelid 104 can include a display device 252 (e.g., a touchscreen) thatallows a user of the computing device to interact with various inputs254 included in the base 106 of the computing device 102 while viewingthe touchscreen. In addition, the touchscreen can receive input from theuser.

FIG. 2B is a cross-section view of the first friction disc hinge 150 awhen the computing device 102 is in a laptop orientation. Though notshown in FIG. 2B, the position of the second friction disc hinge 150 bis identical to that of the first friction disc hinge 150 a. Thedescription of the form and functionality of the first friction dischinge 150 a can be applied to a description of the form andfunctionality of the second friction disc hinge 150 b.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-B, the friction element 120 can provide sufficientfriction so that the lid 104 may be placed in the static position at theangle 250 with respect to the base 106 (or z-axis) of the computingdevice 102, where the lid 104 is parallel to (along) the y-axis of thecomputing device 102. The friction element 120 can also be implementedso that torque applied to the lid 104 by the user to rotate/move the lid104 to the desired fixed position can be easily applied by the user. Useof the friction disc hinge 150 enables the lid 104 to rotate about thebase 106 as the outer disc 108 is rotated about the inner disc 110. Therotation of the outer disc 108 about the inner disc 110 results in therotation of the lid 104 about the x-axis 12 of the computing device 102,the rotation being with respect to the base 106 (or z-axis) of thecomputing device 102.

The rotational motion is constrained sufficiently by the frictionelement 120 to prevent the lid 104 from slipping away from the base 106while allowing the lid 104 to remain in a static position once therotational motion is stopped. The connecting rods 118 a-b stabilize thecomputing device 102 so that the torque applied to the lid 104 by theuser to rotate/move the lid 104 to the desired fixed position does notresult in the computing device 102 bending or flexing.

The lid 104 can be placed at the angle 250 with respect to the base 106,where the angle 250 is approximately a 135 degree angle (i.e., 135degrees±35 degrees). In this laptop position, for example, the user caninteract with one or more input devices included in the base 106 whileviewing a display included in the lid 104. In some cases, the placementof the lid 104 in this position can be a factor of the type of computingdevice. For example, a user using a laptop computer may place the lid104 at greater than the 135 degree angle with respect to the base 106,while a user of a notebook or other computing device that is smallerthan the laptop computer may place the lid 104 at an angle less than the135 degree angle with respect to the base 106.

FIG. 2B shows the flexible cable 143 in a state that is different fromstate of the flexible cable 143 as shown in FIG. 1C, illustrating howthe flexible cable 143 bends/flexes as the outer disc 108 is rotatedabout the inner disc 110 from the first position shown in FIG. 1C to thesecond position shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3A is a diagram that illustrates the example computing device 102in a tablet orientation. In the tablet orientation, the lid 104 of thecomputing device is at an angle 350 with respect to the base 106. In thetablet orientation, in some implementations, the back surface 109 b ofthe lid 104 can make contact with the lower surface 107 b of the base106. In some implementations, the contact between the lid 104 and thebase 106 can be between portions of the lid 104 and the base 106. Insome implementations, the lid 104 can be parallel to the base 106.

FIG. 3B is a cross-section view of the first friction disc hinge 150 awhen the computing device 102 is in a tablet orientation. Though notshown in FIG. 3B, the position of the second friction disc hinge 150 bis identical to that of the first friction disc hinge 150 a. Thedescription of the form and functionality of the first friction dischinge 150 a can be applied to a description of the form andfunctionality of the second friction disc hinge 150 b.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-B, the friction element 120 can provide sufficientfriction so that the lid 104 may be placed in the static position at theangle 350 with respect to the base 106 (or z-axis) of the computingdevice 102, where the lid 104 is parallel to (along) the y-axis of thecomputing device 102. The friction element 120 can also be implementedso that torque applied to the lid 104 by the user to rotate/move the lid104 to the desired fixed position can be easily applied by the user. Useof the friction disc hinge 150 enables the lid 104 to rotate about thebase 106 as the outer disc 108 is rotated about the inner disc 110. Therotation of the outer disc 108 about the inner disc 110 results in therotation of the lid 104 about the x-axis 12 of the computing device 102,the rotation being with respect to the base 106 (or z-axis) of thecomputing device 102.

The rotational motion is constrained sufficiently by the frictionelement 120 to prevent the lid 104 from slipping away from the base 106while allowing the lid 104 to remain in a static position once therotational motion is stopped. The connecting rods 118 a-b stabilize thecomputing device 102 so that the torque applied to the lid 104 by theuser to rotate/move the lid 104 to the desired fixed position does notresult in the computing device 102 bending or flexing.

The lid 104 can be placed at the angle 350 with respect to the base 106,where the angle 350 is approximately a 360 degree angle (i.e., 360degrees±25 degrees). In this tablet position, for example, the user caninteract with a touchscreen included in the lid 104, using the computingdevice 102 as a tablet.

FIG. 3B shows the flexible cable 143 in a state that is different fromstate of the flexible cable 143 as shown in FIG. 1C, and that isdifferent from state of the flexible cable 143 as shown in FIG. 2C,illustrating how the flexible cable 143 bends/flexes as the outer disc108 is rotated about the inner disc 110 from a first position shown inFIG. 1C to a second position shown in FIG. 2B, and then to a thirdposition as shown in FIG. 3B. For example, FIG. 1C shows the flexiblecable 143 in a first state when the computing device 102 is in a closedconfiguration. In the first state, the flexible cable 143 is wrappedaround the first connecting rod 118 a. For example, FIG. 3B shows theflexible cable 143 in second state when the computing device 102 is in atablet configuration. In the second state, the flexible cable 143 iswrapped around the second connecting rod 118 b.

As the examples shown in FIGS. 1A-C, 2A-B, 3A-B, and 4A-B illustrate,the lid 104 of the computing device 102 can include a display area thatcan provide visual output to the user. For example, the display area caninclude a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or alight-emitting diode (LED) display. The display area can also receiveinput from a user, for example as in a case where the display areaincludes a touchscreen device. The lid may also include a camera sensor,a touch sensor, or an ambient light sensor.

The base 106 can include one or more input devices such as a keyboard, apointing stick, mouse buttons, a touchpad, and/or a trackpad. Themultiple positions of the computing device 102 allow a user to changethe viewing angle of the display area relative to the base 106 while thebase 106 remains stationary. The user can place the computing device 102into a configuration that allows the user to interact in a preferred waywith the computing device 102.

In addition or in the alternative, the lid 104 of the computing device102 can be rotated about the base 106 of the computing device 102 andplaced in a 180-degree position, where the lid 104 is placed atapproximately a 180 degree angle (i.e, 180 degrees±20 degrees) withrespect to the base 106, which remains stationary. In addition or in thealternative, the lid 104 of the computing device 102 can be rotatedabout the base 106 of the computing device 102 and placed in a270-degree position, where the lid 104 is placed at approximately a 270degree angle (i.e., 270 degrees±45 degrees) with respect to the base106, which remains stationary.

FIG. 4 is a diagram that illustrates a cross-section of an examplecomputing device 402 in a laptop orientation that shows a cross-sectionof a flexible cable 443 coupled from a base 406 of the computing deviceto a lid 404 of the computing device 402. For example, the computingdevice 402 can be the computing device 102 as shown in FIGS. 1A-C, 2AB,and 3A-B.

The computing device 402 is shown in a laptop orientation, where the lid404 is placed at an angle 460 with respect to the base 406. An exampleof a computing device in a laptop orientation was shown and describedwith respect to FIGS. 2A-B. In the laptop orientation, a user of thecomputing device 402 can interact with various inputs included in thebase 406 of the computing device 102 while viewing and/or interactingwith a display device (e.g., a touchscreen) included in the lid 404 ofthe computing device 402.

Though not shown in FIG. 4, the position of a second friction disc hingeis identical to that of a first friction disc hinge 450 a. Thedescription of the form and functionality of the first friction dischinge 450 a can be applied to a description of the form andfunctionality of the second friction disc hinge.

The flexible cable 443 can include a plurality of wires that transmit aplurality of signals from circuitry 454 included in the base 406 of thecomputing device 402 to components 452 included in the lid 404 of thecomputing device 402 and vice versa. For example, the circuitry 454 canbe a motherboard that includes one or more hardware microprocessors orother types of semiconductor circuitry. For example, the components 452can include, but are not limited to, one or more of an LCD display, aplasma display, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a touchscreen, anantenna, a camera sensor, a touch sensor, or an ambient light sensor.

A first end 443 a of the flexible cable 443 is connected/coupled to thecircuitry 454 and a second end 443 b of the flexible cable 443 isconnected/coupled to one or more of the components 452. The flexiblecable 443 is coupled/disposed between connecting rods 418 a-b. Asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1A-C, the flexible cable 443 isdisposed beyond an inner pin 414 and an outer pin 412 (and is disposedbeyond an inner pin and an outer pin of a second friction disc hinge). Athickness of the flexible cable 443 (e.g., thickness 40 of the flexiblecable 143) is defined such that the flexible cable 443 can becoupled/disposed between connecting rods 418 a-b, the flexible cable 443flexing/bending as the lid 404 is rotated about the base 406 of thecomputing device 402 without interfering with the rotation of the lid404.

A width (width w₃) of the flexible cable 443 can be the available widthof the computing device 402. Referring to FIG. 1A, the available widthcan be the distance d₇, where d₇=w₂−((l₁+(the greater of l₃ orl₄)+(l₂+(the greater of l₅ or l₆)). One or more flexible cables, such asthe flexible cable 443, can be disposed within the available width fromthe base 406 of the computing device 402 to the lid 404 of the computingdevice 402.

In some implementations, a computing device may include a singlefriction disc hinge (e.g., the friction disc hinge 150 a as shown inFIGS. 1A-C, 2A-B, and 3A-B). For example, the friction disc hinge canconnect/couple a lid of the computing device to a base of the computingdevice. A length and a diameter of the friction disc hinge could bedefined so that torque applied to the lid to rotate/move the lid to adesired fixed position can be easily applied by the user while providingthe necessary support and stability for the lid to be placed andmaintained in a fixed static position.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method 500 forcoupling a base to a lid of a computing device. According to thisexample, the method 500 includes coupling a first corner of the lid to afirst pin of a first hinge, the first hinge including a first disccoupled to the first pin of the first hinge, and a second disc (502).The method 500 also includes coupling a second corner of the lid to afirst pin of a second hinge, the second hinge including a first disccoupled to the first pin of the second hinge, and a second disc (504).The method further includes coupling a first corner of the base to asecond pin of the first hinge (506), coupling a second corner of thebase to a second pin of the second hinge (508), and coupling the firsthinge to the second hinge by connecting one end of a first connectingrod to the second disc included in the first hinge and coupling anotherend of the first connecting rod to the second disc included in thesecond hinge (510).

Though the implementations herein are described with respect to a userrotating a lid of a computing device from a closed position (closedposition) to a 360-degree position, they can also be applied to a userrotating a lid from the 360-degree position to the closed position.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In addition, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require theparticular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. In addition, other steps may be provided, or steps may beeliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be addedto, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, otherembodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

While certain features of the described implementations have beenillustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions,changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Itis, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of theimplementations. It should be understood that they have been presentedby way of example only, not limitation, and various changes in form anddetails may be made. Any portion of the apparatus and/or methodsdescribed herein may be combined in any combination, except mutuallyexclusive combinations. The implementations described herein can includevarious combinations and/or sub-combinations of the functions,components and/or features of the different implementations described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computing device comprising: a lid; and a basecoupled to the lid by a hinge, the hinge including: a first discincluding a first pin coupled to the lid and an inner surface; a seconddisc including a second pin coupled to the base and an outer surface,the first disc concentric with and partially surrounding the seconddisc; and a friction element disposed between the inner surface of thefirst disc and the outer surface of the second disc, the first discconfigured to rotate about the second disc.
 2. The computing device ofclaim 1, the hinge being configured to allow the lid to rotate about thebase at different angular ranges from a first position beingapproximately in contact with the base to a second position being at anangle that is approximately 360 degrees with respect to the base.
 3. Thecomputing device of claim 1, the hinge being a first hinge, and the basebeing coupled to the lid by the first hinge and a second hinge, thesecond hinge including: a first disc including a first pin coupled tothe lid and an inner surface; and a second disc including a second pincoupled to the base and an outer surface, the first disc concentric withand partially surrounding the second disc; the friction element beingdisposed between the inner surface of the first disc of the second hingeand the outer surface of the second disc of the second hinge; and thefirst disc of the second hinge is configured to rotate about the seconddisc of the second hinge.
 4. The computing device of claim 3, the firsthinge being located at a first back-end of the computing device and thesecond hinge being located at a second back-end of the computing device.5. The computing device of claim 4, further comprising: a firstconnecting rod, the first connecting rod connecting the second disc ofthe first hinge to the second disc of the second hinge.
 6. The computingdevice of claim 5, further comprising: a second connecting rod, thesecond connecting rod connecting the second disc of the first hinge tothe second disc of the second hinge, the second connecting rod beingdisposed parallel to the first connecting rod.
 7. The computing deviceof claim 6, the second pin of the second disc of the first hinge beingdisposed between the connection of the first connecting rod and thesecond connecting rod with the second disc of the first hinge and thesecond pin of the second disc of the second hinge being disposed betweenthe connection of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rodwith the second disc of the second hinge.
 8. The computing device ofclaim 6, further comprising a plurality of wires that are coupledbetween the base of the computing device to the lid of the computingdevice, the plurality of wires disposed between the first connecting rodand the second connecting rod.
 9. The computing device of claim 8, theplurality of wires being included in a flexible cable.
 10. The computingdevice of claim 8, the plurality of wires connecting at least oneelectrical component in the base of the computing device to at least oneelectrical component in the lid of the computing device.
 11. Thecomputing device of claim 10, the at least one electrical component inthe base being a main logic board.
 12. The computing device of claim 10,the at least one electrical component in the lid being one of a display,a camera sensor, a touch sensor, an ambient light sensor, or an antenna.13. The computing device of claim 8, the plurality of wires beingdivided between multiple flexible cables, each of the multiple flexiblecables coupled to the base of the computing device and to the lid of thecomputing device, and each of the multiple flexible cables disposedbetween the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod.
 14. Amethod of coupling a base to a lid of a computing device, the methodcomprising: coupling a first corner of the lid to a first pin of a firsthinge, the first hinge including a first disc coupled to the first pinof the first hinge, and a second disc; coupling a second corner of thelid to a first pin of a second hinge, the second hinge including a firstdisc coupled to the first pin of the second hinge, and a second disc;coupling a first corner of the base to a second pin of the first hinge;coupling a second corner of the base to a second pin of the secondhinge; and coupling the first hinge to the second hinge by connectingone end of a first connecting rod to the second disc included in thefirst hinge and coupling another end of the first connecting rod to thesecond disc included in the second hinge.
 15. The method of claim 14,further comprising: coupling the first hinge to the second hinge byconnecting one end of a second connecting rod to the second discincluded in the first hinge and coupling another end of the secondconnecting rod to the second disc included in the second hinge, thesecond connecting rod being disposed parallel to the first connectingrod.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: connecting at leastone electrical component in the base of the computing device to at leastone electrical component in the lid of the computing device using aplurality of wires coupled from the base of the computing device to thelid of the computing device, the plurality of wires being disposedbetween the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, the plurality of wires being included in a flexiblecable.
 18. A hinge comprising: a first disc including a first pin and aninner surface; a second disc including a second pin and an outersurface, the first disc concentric with and at least partiallysurrounding the second disc; and a friction element disposed between theinner surface of the first disc and the outer surface of the seconddisc.
 19. The hinge of claim 18, the first disc being configured torotate about the second disc.
 20. The hinge of claim 18, the first dischaving a length equal to a length of the second disc.